Under $5 and 113 Calories – Broccoli/Potato Soup

I think we all look for a really easy meal once in a while.  One that is fast to cook, good for us, and super low calories too.   The best thing is how easy and inexpensive this one is to make.   One of my all-time favorite recipes.  Under $5 and 113 Calories – Broccoli/ Potato Soup.

With the price of groceries, I think we are all hunting for ways to cut costs.  This recipe will feed the whole family and can be made from your pantry and fridge for under $5.

Especially easy and calls for ingredients that you probably have on hand all the time, the best thing is that it is delicious and low calorie at the same time.  Only 113 calories for a 1c. portion.  Perfect.

Broccoli/ Potato,  Soup

Eight 1 c. servings. 113 total calories per serving 5 saturated fat calories per serving.

2 tbsp. butter

1  c. diced onion.  (Optional)

2 tbsp. unbleached white flour

4 c. hot water

4 c. peeled and diced potatoes

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp ground pepper

2 c. broccoli flowerets

2 c. skim (I used 2%) milk

2 tbsp. sour cream (optional)

In a soup pot, melt butter.  Mix in onion, cover the pot, and cook slowly until the onion is translucent and soft.  Blend in flour and cook for a few seconds.  Remove pot from heat.  Add 1/2 c. of the hot water and blend thoroughly.  Add the remaining hot water, potatoes, salt, and pepper.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer partially covered, for about 40 minutes or until potatoes are tender.  While the potatoes are cooking, steam the broccoli until it is tender.  Set aside.  Use a potato masher to break up the chunks of potatoes when they are soft.  Make sure they still have some chunks and texture.  Add 1 c. of the milk and blend well, slowly add the second c of milk 1/4 at a time.  Do not add so much milk that the soup becomes too thin. The soup should be thick.  Add the sour cream and stir in well.

Mix in broccoli, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. (If you have someone who doesn’t like broccoli, then set the broccoli aside and add it to each bowl individually.  This is fabulous just as a potato soup.)  Serve in ample size bowls topped with bacon bits, chives, or green onions and shredded cheese.  I usually have some bacon bits and green onions chopped in the fridge and I use whatever shredded cheese I have on hand.

So filling and soooooooo good.

Give it a try, I think your family will love it.